Jamie Pinkerton’s return to Iowa State
Jamie Pinkerton arrives at Iowa State as an assistant after five years as a head coach at Arkansas. Pinkerton brings with him the experience of leading the Razorbacks to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Photo courtesy: ISU Athletic Department.
August 7, 2017
Former Iowa State assistant Jamie Pinkerton was announced as the Cyclones’ next head coach on August 2.
Pinkerton arrived in Iowa a couple days ago and spoke about his return to Iowa State.
“It’s great to be back,” Pinkerton said. “I’m familiar with the university, the athletic program, and the administration.”
During Pinkerton’s stint as an assistant at Iowa State, the Cyclones compiled a 108-159 record.
Pinkerton said that his main duties as an assistant were coaching the infield and hitting.
In Pinkerton’s final season as an Iowa State assistant, the Cyclone offense put up record-breaking numbers.
Pinkerton’s offense broke school records for home runs (40), runs (284), RBI (253), and walks (166).
In 2016, Iowa State tasted success, but the main area the team struggled in was the offense.
The Cyclones finished with the lowest batting average, runs scored and hits in the last five years.
After the 2013 season, Pinkerton left Iowa State. Pinkerton relocated to Montana to build a softball program. He spent a year hiring a staff, building a team, and scheduling opponents.
In 2015, the Montana Grizzlies had a team. Montana finished 16-34 in its first season.
In 2016, Montana finished 29-27. In 2017, the steady improvement continued, finishing 35-24.
Pinkerton was preparing for Montana’s 2018 season when Jamie Trachsel announced her departure from Iowa State.
The Iowa State coaching position peaked Pinkerton’s interest.
“I inquired, and then I spoke with administration and one thing led to another,” Pinkerton said.
Pinkerton cited being closer to his daughter and other relatives as a big part of his decision.
“It’s a great opportunity and my daughter goes to school at Iowa State, so it was an opportunity to get my family back together,” Pinkerton said.
The Cyclones are primed to see some success this season, returning a young core.
Pinkerton has set lofty goals for Iowa State’s program, a program that has never finished higher than fifth in the Big 12.
“The expectation is to continue [in] that [positive] direction,” said Pinkerton. “Hopefully, in time, [the team will] be able to take the program to a level that you’re competitive in the Big 12, and also compete for a conference tournament crown.”
